ATV vs. bear results in fatality

A 51-year old man died Wednesday from injuries received when the ATV he was driving collided with a bear in Lincoln County.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s office reports the 911 center received a call reporting the accident at 7:38 p.m. Wednesday. Emergency units responded to the scene of the crash and found the ATV was traveling west on Co. Rd. CC east of Poplar Drive in the town of Wilson when the operator struck a bear.

The ATV rolled, causing the operator to be ejected. He was transported to a Tomahawk hospital with critical injuries and was later transferred by helicopter to a Wausau hospital where he died from his injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office reported the victim was not wearing a helmet, there were no passengers on the ATV at the time of the crash and alcohol does not appear to be a factor. The victim’s name has not yet been released. The incident remains under investigation.